THE High Sheriff of Hampshire awards rewarded the efforts of groups and communities that have gone beyond the call of duty.

The High Sheriff of Hampshire Mary Montagu-Scott presented awards to 16 recipients for making a significant contribution to enhancing safety and cohesion within the community.

The awards were presented at a ceremony held in the Great Hall in Winchester.

Winners included the Hampshire Fostering Network for their life skills programme which teaches young people in care vital skills including financial management and cookery.

Other recipients were Tower House Horses CIC from Winchester who help ex offenders reintegrate into society by working with horses, and Eastleigh’s Victim Support who provide practical advise and support to victims of crime.

Mrs Montagu-Scott said: “The awards ceremony was an extremely inspiring occasion and I am delighted to recognise the meaningful work that these unsung heroes carry out to keep our communities safe and thriving.

“During my year in office I have seen first-hand the outstanding work carried out across the County to support vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our area, which is truly commendable.”

Jonathan Cheshire, Chair of The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation who works in partnership with the High Sheriff to administer the awards said: “HIWCF are delighted to support the High Sheriff Awards which uphold the values and work that the Foundation implements at grassroots level across our communities.

“We congratulate each of the recipients for their contribution to society; and for their hard work and dedication in making Hampshire a better and safer place to live”.

Full list of winners were:

Sarah Cohen, Crime Prevention Officer, Hampshire Constabulary

Helen Gaskell, Magistrate and Bench Chair, New Forest

Angela Smallwood, Volunteer for Victim Support, Fleet

Basingstoke Street Pastors

Blue Lamp Trust, Eastleigh

Citizens Advice Winchester District Prison Team

Hampshire Constabulary Volume Fraud Investigation Team, Hamble

Hampshire Fostering Network, Southampton

Hawley Community Garden, Farnborough

Loud and Proud, Gosport

Police Medical Welfare Service, Andover

Portsmouth Music Hub

Tower House Horses CIC, Winchester

Victim Support, Eastleigh

Yellow Door, Southampton

YMCA Weston Community Library, Southampton